China's growth accelerates as AI boom helps boost exports

China's economic growth picked up in the three months to the end of September, rebounding from a three-year low as the artificial intelligence (AI) boom helped boost exports.

The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, up from the previous period but below the 5% expansion recorded from January to March, according to official Chinese data.

The latest figure is at the bottom end of Beijing's annual growth target of 4.5%-5%, which analysts have said gives policymakers room to address the country's economic challenges.

While exports have helped offset weak spending at home, global trade tensions and uncertainty over AI investments are clouding its outlook.

China's National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday that the economy "sustained steady development against pressure" and showed "momentum with new growth drivers and improving structure".

With exports climbing, China's trade surplus - the amount of goods and services it sells abroad compared to what it buys from other countries - is on track to overtake the record $1.2tn (£900bn) seen last year.

Sales of high-tech goods rose by 14.3% while the production of both batteries and industrial robots grew by more than 29%, official figures showed.

Oxford Economics researcher Sheana Yue said manufacturing and high-tech exports have boosted China's growth, despite weak investment and domestic spending.

Source: BBC News Technology RSS (Open Press / Full Text)